Education is Liberation
Auburn has a long history of robust research in theological education. Pioneered and championed by Auburn’s former President, Dr. Barbara Wheeler, Auburn produced essential research reports on trends and data for theological executives and faculties.
These reports included analysis on student debt, continuing education and life-long learning, giving trends, trustee engagement markers, and bright spots in theological education, to name only a few topics. Following the release of research reports, the Center traditionally provided consultations and resources for leaders in theological education.
Between 2005-2007, Auburn Theological Seminary, in partnership with Lilly Endowment, Inc., endowed the Center for Study of Theological Education with funds. Since the Center’s founding, the horizons and landscape of theological education have shifted. World historical events, exacerbated globalization, and profound technological shifts have created new needs, calling for diversifying research methods and approaches in tailoring and delivering theological education. To address these shifts, leaders in theological education need robust data analysis and tools designed with theological education in mind.
Auburn Theological Seminary’s Center for Research addresses a need in theological education for research and analysis that can support leaders in their context. As was the founding of the Center for Study of Theological Education, Auburn provides support through empirical research, surveys on theological education and its beneficiaries, and research-based institutional interventions. Auburn’s research attends to shifts in religious and theological institutions and religious trends in the broader society.
Discover + Learn
Auburn collaborates with various partners, including the Association of Theological Schools and InTrust, to provide an annual research report that supports the field of theological education. In addition, Auburn hosts annual consultations and webinars, helping theological leaders break down research into meaningful resources and practices to take back to their institutions.